Sony 2009 Annual Report Download - page 12

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10
• Rationalizing our manufacturing operations, including reduc-
ing our 57 manufacturing sites by approximately 10%, and
furthering the shift to manufacturing in low-cost areas and with
OEM/ODM partners. Since the announcement, we have closed
or announced the closing of eight manufacturing sites.
• Streamlining our workforce through work reassignments and
outplacements, among others, as well as reducing headcount
in the Electronics business by approximately 8,000—for which we
are on track—in addition to reducing our temporary workforce
by more than 8,000, which we have since accomplished.
In addition, we have adjusted production, lowered inventory
levels, reduced marketing and other operational expenses, and
curtailed or delayed portions of our investment plans. We will
continue these and other efforts to improve efficiency and will
wage a continuous battle to make this company leaner, quicker
and stronger and, therefore, better able to innovate, lead and
flexibly navigate in these increasingly competitive times.
Reorganization
Sony’s true transformation began with the reorganization of
its Electronics and Game businesses, undertaken to enhance
competitiveness, improve profitability and accelerate innovation and
growth, so that we may strengthen our position in the continuously
challenging and evolving industries in which we operate.
Under the reorganization, effective on April 1, Sony’s Electron-
ics and Game businesses are now merged and reconfigured as
two strong new groups: the Consumer Products & Devices Group
and the Networked Products & Services Group. The first group
represents our traditional and vital hardware; the second will
provide new network differentiation which, when married to our
hardware, will spearhead our growth going forward.